Popcorn Popping over on Apricot Lane

They don't have popcorn. Sorry. I don't mean to false-advertise. It was just too catchy to pass up.

What they do have is a rockin store full of trendy and classic clothes, sparkly baubles and The Beard's favorite - a boyfriend COUCH (upgrade from the usual boyfriend chair) with a big flatscreen TV. That way he could sit and watch ESPN the whole time I cased the store.

Our friend Aubry contacted me a few weeks ago to see if I'd like to style an outfit for their lookbook. After my excited giggling subsided I coolly and calmly responded that I probably could do that for her. I guess.

So I went down and got to style an outfit from their impressive selection of tops, bottoms, layering pieces, accessories and crazy amounts of jewels. Pretty much the best day of my life. It was made all the more fun by Kirsten and Sarah's company.

As you guys know, I'm pretty minimalist. I can't even layer without feeling overdone. I end up peeling off my layers before I get to school.

You also know I'm a bit of a fan of monochromatic black/gray ensembles. The sleeker the better. Sometimes I feel like Angela on the Office. "What are your favorite colors?" "Well, gray, dark gray, charcoal..." So this coat was kind of a no brainer. Plus it was soft and comfy. Win-win-win.

Aubry suggested that I put together an outfit that would be a great Valentines Date Night look - probably because I looked like a deer in headlights over all of my options.

Personally I like to look somewhat obnoxiously pink or red or both on V-day, because I get overly excited for random holidays. Here's a second type of look for those of us who aren't in 3rd grade on Valentine's day. Don't be surprised that it's minimalist and black-based.

These coated jeans give the look of leather (which I LOVE) without the sticky, tight feel. They lend the perfect amount of edge. As you can tell, I'm a shorty in need of some tailoring for my pants...

This shirt drew me in immediately. The fabric is light, but thick enough to look and feel like tweed. Paired with the dark, tight jeans it has an academic-meets-street feel. This shirt is the perfect reason to shop at a chic boutique like Apricot Lane - you can't find this stuff at your friendly neighborhood Forever 21. And you're missing out.


Let's talk accessories. Their selection was insane. I somehow always think I need black and gold jewelry because I wear it so much (even though I've got strands and strands of it in my jewelry stand). The chunky black necklace adds some intrigue to the simplicity of the outfit.

And boy can you start a pretty awesome arm party with their bracelet selection. I opted for this thick metal and leather band. Could I have added 100 sparkly gold bracelets? Yes. Would the Beard like it? No.

"You're too jingly and pokey!!"

Moral of the Story: Go check out Apricot Lane and those girls' blogs. You won't regret it.

Also, how do I make this going to stores/putting together looks/blogging about it thing my full time job? Anyone out there wanna pay me to do all their personal shopping? Clothing market research? Dressing room quality inspector?

Anyone?

Bloggers and Jewelry and Slutty Brownies, Oh My!

My friend and fellow blogger Miss Gentri Lee invited me to a blogger party on Saturday at her new salon - A la Mode Studios in Draper. She does facials, makeup, eyelash extensions and generally makes you look better than you naturally look. She's amazing. She did makeup and consultations, as well as jewelry giveaways and delicious treats to throw a super fun party and spread the word about her services.

Check out her blog and give her a call if you need/want to look prettier for something/anything/nothing. She's a beauty wizard and bite-sized fun. 

It was so much fun to meet new blogger friends and see Gentri work her magic in the studio. The cute jewelry and other prizes were courtesy of: cheerfully charmed, (kno)name, perfectly posh c/o tiffany, pixie pie 

I won an awesome (kno) Name watch and cute Cheerfully Charmed earrings (above)! Yahtzee!

Gentri asked me to bring some treats so I made...... drumroll..... Slutty Brownies! Found of course on Pinterest, these have been my latest bake for the last few events I've needed treats for. As seen on the red tray above, they are deliciously messy and positively satanic for your diet. Cookie dough, oreos and brownie batter. Idiot proof and delicious.

These girls were delightful. I should do blogger meetups more often. I get invited to them or see them advertised all the time but never go. Mostly because I'm lazy. But this one has me converted to the blogger world.  Even if I didn't come with the blogger bun and red lipstick, they still accepted me as one of their own. Thanks, blogging world of Utah.

 

Classy. Just pure classy.

 

I didn't even meet everyone, but I added like 10 new awesome blogs to my blogroll. If you are looking for a bunch of fun new ladies to follow, check out the comprehensive list compiled by Gentri and Sarah on Gentri's blog. If you're anything like me you're a compulsive blog reader, Diet Coke drinker and puppy cuddler. Well at least a blog reader. So check it out.

Sometimes, Always, Never - Frost Yourself

I'm a bit of an accessories junkie. Forever 21's accessories section is borderline crack for me. I can't leave without buying a new pair of studs, a stack of bangles or especially, a cheap pair of fun sunglasses. Jewelry can be a cheap way to re-invent your style and spice up your wardrobe.

I love displaying my jewelry and accessories in my "closet room." They are bright and shiny and make me happy -- why wouldn't I want to look at them all the time? Plus, I'm more likely to fight my minimalist nature and throw on a fabulous cuff or statement necklace if they're sitting in plain view.

Sometimes

Rings. A good cocktail ring can be a great capstone to a party outfit (first). Too many and you start looking like a member of Aerosmith (second).

Arm Party, AKA stacked bracelets. I love this trend, especially atop a classy gold or rose gold chunky watch. However, if you work in a formal office, have to give a presentation or you are interviewing for a job, keep it simple. The arm party is not quite professional.

Always

Every girl should own a classy watch. I know we all have cell phones and sit at computers all the time, so wearing it to check the time is not necessary. But wearing a watch is just so timeless to me. My husband got me  a coveted Michael Kors gold watch for Christmas and I'm pretty sure I even shed a few surprised tears. That's not to say it needs to be expensive. There are tons of affordable options at Forever 21, Icing, etc.But why not drool over this Kate Spade for now?

A dainty pendant or charm necklace that has meaning to you. My mom gave me and my sister classic necklaces from Nordstrom with silver and gold heart charms when Brooke graduated from high school and I was leaving for England. They are beautiful and I can wear them every day, not to mention they remind me of my family and how lucky I am. Get a pretty one - even if it's just one of Forever 21's little animal pendants  or exotic looking fake stones for $2.

A killer pair of dangly party earrings. I bought some jade green wood earrings on a whim at Cozy in Provo when I was picking up some of my fave undershirts. I end up throwing them on whenever I'm heading out to a party or concert. They are such a fun addition to my standard black outfits.

Never

Lose the Young Womanhood in Recognition necklace. That belongs in a display case or a special box with your 8 year old CTR ring.

Overload. When I was probably 13 I heard the rule

Pick Two: Hair accessories/Earrings/Necklace/Bracelets/Rings

I still follow that.

Nail earrings. Yuck?

What in the WORLD is this?

All images from Pinterest.